Forensic testing, calibration, and inspection organizations earn public trust, meet regulatory and statutory requirements, and ensure a robust system of quality assurance and control for their organizations when they are accredited by A2LA.
A2LA accreditation conveys to potential customers and to judicial and regulatory authorities that an organization has confidence in its work product, and that this confidence has been confirmed by a third-party, non-profit organization.
A2LA’s accreditation of forensic organizations spans two programs: one for testing and calibration laboratories and one for inspection units. To obtain both laboratory and inspection body accreditations, complete both application processes and comply with all the requirements in each program.
Forensic Accreditation Program Requirements
Forensic Testing/Calibration Laboratories
- ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- R221 – Specific Requirements – Forensic Examination Accreditation Program – Testing and Calibration
Forensic Inspection Units
- ISO/IEC 17020 Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection
- R318 – Specific Requirements – Forensic Examination Accreditation Program – Inspection
Forensic Accreditation Program Process
Forensic Testing Accreditation Subprograms
- Forensic Facilities Licensed in Maryland
- A2LA Texas Forensic Science Commission Crime Laboratory Accreditation Program
- FBI QAS Accreditation and Assessment
Forensic Facilities Licensed in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) recognize A2LA as a deemed accreditation body under the State of Maryland in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 10, Subtitle 51 Forensic Laboratories. As a deemed accreditation body by the DHMH, forensic laboratories that are regulated under the Maryland Forensic Regulations may obtain accreditation services from A2LA and/or continue using A2LA as an accreditation body. Licensure in the State of Maryland in accordance with COMAR 10.51 is overseen by the OHCQ, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. While gaining accreditation from A2LA is one method for obtaining licensure, laboratories seeking licensure must still apply and be approved by the OHCQ to be licensed in the State of Maryland. Laboratories under this program shall meet:
A2LA Texas Forensic Science Commission Crime Laboratory Accreditation Program
A2LA has been identified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) as a “Recognized Accrediting Body” for the accreditation of laboratories performing forensic analysis of physical evidence for use in a criminal proceeding in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter A, Rule §651.4. Participation in this program is mandatory for all A2LA-accredited organizations that are accredited under the TFSC Crime Laboratory Accreditation Program to perform forensic analyses in or for the State of Texas. Organizations under this program shall meet:
- R221b – Annex B – Specific Requirements – A2LA Texas Forensic Science Commission Crime Laboratory Accreditation Program
FBI QAS Accreditation and Assessment
On January 13, 2014, the National DNA Index System (NDIS) Procedures Board approved the designation of A2LA as an accrediting agency under the United States Federal DNA Identification Act (42 U.S.C. 14132). As a designated agency, A2LA, through its Forensic Examination Accreditation Program, is recognized to assess laboratories performing DNA analyses on DNA samples obtained from identified subject(s) for the purposes of entering the resulting DNA profile or DNA record into a DNA database, as well as laboratories performing DNA analyses on known or casework reference samples considered evidence by that laboratory.
A2LA offers two options:
- An assessment-only service to the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories to all organizations that are currently approved by the NDIS board and are seeking an external assessment to meet Section 15.2.
- A dual assessment to the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and/or DNA Databasing Laboratories and ISO/IEC 17025.
For more information on the program, please check out the Understanding A2LA’s Forensic Accreditation Process webinar. The information above is not exhaustive and all interested parties are encouraged to contact A2LA to determine their options for accreditation. For FAQs regarding the Forensic Examination Accreditation Program, click here.